Kawhi 'feeling pretty healthy,' return expected this week

Kawhi Leonard has progressed to five-on-five workouts and is reportedly in the last steps of rehab from his right quad injury. Amid reports he'll be able to make his season debut for the San Antonio Spurs this week, he appeared optimistic.

"I'm feeling pretty healthy right now ..." Leonard said Monday, according to ESPN's Michael C. Wright. "I should be back soon."

The Spurs discussed playing Leonard in Monday's win over the Detroit Pistons, according to Wright. The team is in the midst of a three-game home stand, with games Wednesday against the Miami Heat and Friday against the Boston Celtics.

The timing couldn't be better. Kyle Anderson, who was filling in for Leonard, is set to miss two-to-three weeks with an MCL sprain. Anderson performed admirably in Leonard's absence, shooting 51.3 percent in 27.4 minutes per game.

For the most part, the Spurs haven't missed a beat without Leonard, racking up the third-best record in the West through 24 games. They're allowing the second-fewest points per 100 possessions without the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and have seen a resurgence from LaMarcus Aldridge.

"A lot of people stepped up in the process, and it's going to be great for us in the long run," Leonard said.